Decisions 20 October 2008

Monday 20 October 2008 at 5pm in Speaker's House

Present:

The Speaker, in the Chair
Sir Stuart Bell
Nick Harvey
Leader of the House
Mr David Maclean
Mrs Theresa May

1. FoI PUBLICATION (MEC)

The MEC considered arrangements for the publication of information on Members' expenses following the court decisions earlier in the year. It was agreed that Members should be encouraged to check their own details in the same electronic format as would be used for publication. The Committee would consider a timetable for publication at its next meeting.

2. REVIEW OF ALLOWANCES (MEC)

The MEC considered a paper by the Department of Resources on the implementation of the House's decisions of 3 and 16 July on Members' allowances. It was agreed to convey to the Department and the Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances some guidance on the implementation of those decisions.

The Committee further agreed that the Members Estimate Audit Committee be asked to make proposals on the future role of the NAO and the House's internal audit staff in providing audit and assurance of spending on the Members' allowances and to report to the MEC. It was noted that it would be helpful if the APMA revision of the Green Book and the outcome of the Government's consultation paper would come to the MEC for consideration at the same time, early in the new year.

3. DEBATE ON COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT (Commission)

The Commission noted that the Thirtieth Annual Report would be debated in Westminster Hall on Thursday 23 October and would be introduced by Nick Harvey as Commission spokesman.

4. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Commission/MEC will take place at 5pm on Monday 17 November in Speaker's House.